Published at Thursday, March 29th, 2018 - 02:10:06 AM. Hockey Gear and Equipment. By Adrienne Christiane.

Checking is one of the most demanding skills in hockey and also one of the most overlooked by players coaches and fans. It is probably the least glamorous of all skills but one of the most important when it comes to defensive team play. Checking is a skill designed to aid in the recovery and possession of the puck. It should not be used to intimidate or injure an opponent.

HAND SKILLS With the advancement of the butterfly save in the early to mid-1990s goaltenders started perfecting their on-ice coverage and the use of their hands was a bit forgotten. Catching a puck means possession for your team and rebounds off your blocker are steered to the corner. In warmup do a simple drill of catching pucks and blocking shots to the corner. Drop 30 pucks in the slot and while in your butterfly have someone shoot at your hands. The Finnish goalies especially Kari Lehtonen in Dallas do this every day as part of their warmup.

When it comes to receiving a pass you want to turn the blade slightly toward the ice to form a pocket. Keep the angle of the blade so it takes the puck squarely. Don′t hold the stick too tightly when you are receiving a hard pass or the puck will “explode” off your stick.